Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

What I love most about being a therapist is that I get to help others while continuing to grow myself. This work allows me to be alongside people in their healing, which feels deeply meaningful, and...

What I love most about being a therapist is that I get to help others while continuing to grow myself. This work allows me to be alongside people in their healing, which feels deeply meaningful, and at the same time it keeps me learning and evolving. I feel grateful to work in a field that Iâ??m endlessly passionate about and genuinely interested in every day.

It is cliche but 'making a difference'. To see hope being renewed or coming alive in clients in their process, to witness them discover new awareness, greater self acceptance.. these moments to me are...

It is cliche but 'making a difference'. To see hope being renewed or coming alive in clients in their process, to witness them discover new awareness, greater self acceptance.. these moments to me are priceless and life enriching. But closely tied to that would be the continual reminder that this role brings to me of our shared humanity and the importance of connection and intimacy.

Therapy is a very personal and intimate experience. Being able to offer a respectful, non-judgemental and supportive space to a client where they can really get to know themselves and grow is a...

Therapy is a very personal and intimate experience. Being able to offer a respectful, non-judgemental and supportive space to a client where they can really get to know themselves and grow is a wonderful experience. It's a very unique relationship.

Continuously meeting people from so many different backgrounds & being able to have a commonality of kindness, caring & empathy for all of them to equally support them...see them evolve and grow...

Continuously meeting people from so many different backgrounds & being able to have a commonality of kindness, caring & empathy for all of them to equally support them...see them evolve and grow despite challenges to go forward positively & admire their courage to do so. I feel privileged to be entrusted to be a small part of that journey & I am grateful for the positives I can take for myself in ongoing learning from my clients.

I love that I am able to walk alongside people often in their most vulnerable moments. It's been nearly 14 years since I first started counselling and I have not lost that feeling of being deeply...

I love that I am able to walk alongside people often in their most vulnerable moments. It's been nearly 14 years since I first started counselling and I have not lost that feeling of being deeply humbled in the presence of the pain of others.

What I value most in therapy is the opportunity to connect with clients on a deeply human level. Building a genuine, trusting relationship based on empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance...

What I value most in therapy is the opportunity to connect with clients on a deeply human level. Building a genuine, trusting relationship based on empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance is at the heart of my approach. Itâ??s a privilege to witness each personâ??s growth, acknowledge their progress, and walk alongside them as they navigate their journey toward healing, self-discovery and self-improvement.

The honour of hearing another's story and then seeing the weight of their concerns lift off their shoulders.

The honour of hearing another's story and then seeing the weight of their concerns lift off their shoulders.

Listening to peoples stories and being able to help them find a way forward in their issue they are faced with.

Listening to peoples stories and being able to help them find a way forward in their issue they are faced with.

I enjoy the variety of my work as a therapist; every day brings new experiences and learning opportunities.

I enjoy the variety of my work as a therapist; every day brings new experiences and learning opportunities.

Meeting interesting, courageous people whose adventures through life inspire me.

Meeting interesting, courageous people whose adventures through life inspire me.

What I love most about being a therapist is the privilege of walking alongside people on their healing journey â?? especially children and families facing complex challenges. Thereâ??s something...

What I love most about being a therapist is the privilege of walking alongside people on their healing journey â?? especially children and families facing complex challenges. Thereâ??s something profoundly meaningful about creating a safe, compassionate space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. I cherish the moments when a child finds a way to express feelings they couldnâ??t put into words before, or when a caregiver gains new understanding and hope for supporting their loved one. Witnessing those small but powerful shifts the building of trust, resilience, and connection is deeply rewarding. Being a therapist allows me to combine my passion for empathy, listening, and strength-based support with practical tools that make a real difference in peopleâ??s lives. Itâ??s inspiring to see the human spiritâ??s capacity for growth, transformation, and renewal, even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, what I love most is the shared humanity in this work the trust, the courage, and the hope that clients bring, and the opportunity to be part of their story in a meaningful way.

What I value most is the honour of being invited into peopleâ??s inner worlds. Itâ??s a privilege when someone feels safe enough to open up deeply, and to witness the relief that comes from being...

What I value most is the honour of being invited into peopleâ??s inner worlds. Itâ??s a privilege when someone feels safe enough to open up deeply, and to witness the relief that comes from being heard and understood. I find meaning in holding space for these moments of honesty and discovery, and in accompanying clients as they move toward greater clarity, resilience, and self-acceptance.

Thereâ??s a sacred beauty in holding space where healing can blossomâ??like guiding a delicate flower to open in safety and trust. What I deeply cherish is the privilege of creating that intimate...

Thereâ??s a sacred beauty in holding space where healing can blossomâ??like guiding a delicate flower to open in safety and trust. What I deeply cherish is the privilege of creating that intimate and safe container, where people feel free to drop their defences, be seen, and rediscover parts of themselves. This isnâ??t just poeticâ??itâ??s therapeutic gold. Research consistently shows that a warm, authentic therapeutic allianceâ??built on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and therapist authenticityâ??is the most reliable predictor of meaningful outcomes, often surpassing modality or technique. So what I love most is being present in those vulnerable, trust-filled momentsâ??where clarity emerges, resilience grows, and genuine connection unfolds. That is the heartbeat of this work.

I love seeing people become more anchored in themselves, able to experience more contentment, and agency.

I love seeing people become more anchored in themselves, able to experience more contentment, and agency.

It is an honour and a privilege to be in the therapy chair. I cultivate safe, open client relationships and witness their joy and pain. It humbles me to see people work so hard to grow and change,...

It is an honour and a privilege to be in the therapy chair. I cultivate safe, open client relationships and witness their joy and pain. It humbles me to see people work so hard to grow and change, better themselves, and step into the flow of their lives with meaning and purpose. People are a unique and never-ending source of inspiration.

I love getting to know people from all walks of life. Itâ??s a privilege to be trusted with someoneâ??s inner world, to hear their story, witness their vulnerability, and see their courage as...

I love getting to know people from all walks of life. Itâ??s a privilege to be trusted with someoneâ??s inner world, to hear their story, witness their vulnerability, and see their courage as they face fears and move toward their strength. Being part of that process is truly powerful. I feel humbled, honoured, and clear that this is my calling. It gives me purpose and a meaningful way to contribute.

Seeing how someone transforms in front of my eyes. In fact, we transform each other; it's a mutual and shared experience.

Seeing how someone transforms in front of my eyes. In fact, we transform each other; it's a mutual and shared experience.

Adding something of value to a person's life that can have large positive effects. I think therapy has high pay it forward value.

Adding something of value to a person's life that can have large positive effects. I think therapy has high pay it forward value.

The privilege of getting to work with and know so many courageous and resilient people. I feel so grateful to be able to do this work and learn so much from every client - it is really humbling.

The privilege of getting to work with and know so many courageous and resilient people. I feel so grateful to be able to do this work and learn so much from every client - it is really humbling.

Aha - this one is easy! Witnessing and experiencing transformation and people being in touch with their unique personal strengths. It brings me joy and is such a privilege.

Aha - this one is easy! Witnessing and experiencing transformation and people being in touch with their unique personal strengths. It brings me joy and is such a privilege.

What I like most about being a therapist is the relationships with my clients. It is an immense privilege to create enough trust with someone that they are willing to share things with me about...

What I like most about being a therapist is the relationships with my clients. It is an immense privilege to create enough trust with someone that they are willing to share things with me about themselves that perhaps no one else knows. I love seeing how through that trusting relationship, people can create tremendous change in their lives.

The opportunity to guide people into greater connection with themselves and others to give back what I have gained from therapy myself.

The opportunity to guide people into greater connection with themselves and others to give back what I have gained from therapy myself.

Being able to help people reach their potential and seeing people able to do the most amazing things that they never believed were possible when they first came to therapy.

Being able to help people reach their potential and seeing people able to do the most amazing things that they never believed were possible when they first came to therapy.

It is a very meaningful and fulfilling job that I genuinely love. I value the connections that I develop with clients and feel privileged that we journey together in some deep psychological and...

It is a very meaningful and fulfilling job that I genuinely love. I value the connections that I develop with clients and feel privileged that we journey together in some deep psychological and emotional landscape.

What I appreciate most about being a therapist is the chance to witness and be part of the positive changes in people's lives. It's genuinely fulfilling as I see clients gain self-awareness, heal from...

What I appreciate most about being a therapist is the chance to witness and be part of the positive changes in people's lives. It's genuinely fulfilling as I see clients gain self-awareness, heal from past challenges, develop strategies, and find greater well-being. Therapy is a journey we embark on together, and it's a space for mutual growth. My clients' resilience, insights, and unique experiences continuously enrich my understanding of the human experience. Being a therapist also allows me to form deep connections and provide support during tough times. Helping individuals explore their inner worlds, foster better relationships, and discover their unique paths to healing and self-discovery is an honour and a source of personal joy.

It's a privilege to be allowed by another person to work with them on their most valuable secrets, their deepest wishes; and for them to reveal their essence. I love that, and I have much gratitude...

It's a privilege to be allowed by another person to work with them on their most valuable secrets, their deepest wishes; and for them to reveal their essence. I love that, and I have much gratitude for opportunities to work this way. I love the moments when something greater than me comes to the assistance of the work that's happening in the room.

Being a therapist is a creative process that calls me to be on a life-long trajectory of growth and reflection - what an honour. I feel it is such a privilege to walk with clients on the sacred ground...

Being a therapist is a creative process that calls me to be on a life-long trajectory of growth and reflection - what an honour. I feel it is such a privilege to walk with clients on the sacred ground of their inner worlds and I take joy in getting to know each client.

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformedâ?¦ I am continually growing and transforming alongside my clients.

The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformedâ?¦ I am continually growing and transforming alongside my clients.

I love walking with people who are choosing to grow themselves. It is those clients who come with the intention to do the work towards changing unhelpful patterns who make this work exciting and...

I love walking with people who are choosing to grow themselves. It is those clients who come with the intention to do the work towards changing unhelpful patterns who make this work exciting and rewarding. I feel honoured to accompany them in this way.

I love helping my clients understand themselves better, especially when related to their childhood experience. I love that moment in therapy when my clients find a new surprising hope, that has...

I love helping my clients understand themselves better, especially when related to their childhood experience. I love that moment in therapy when my clients find a new surprising hope, that has previously been missing (sometimes for their whole life). I love celebrating my clients' wins with them, and supporting them through their toughest times by gently listening, validating. I love helping my clients reframe what they previously saw as something wrong with them into a creative and adaptive tool which they can choose to use if and when needed.

I value the honour of being invited into someone's life, and offered the opportunity to share in their hopes, fears, what they value and what they yearn for. It is a privilege being asked to...

I value the honour of being invited into someone's life, and offered the opportunity to share in their hopes, fears, what they value and what they yearn for. It is a privilege being asked to acknowledge what are often quite difficult steps for a person to make and then to witness them making those steps and be there to see the results. I also enjoy the challenge of finding new ways of looking at situations that might be the product of taken-for-granted ways of seeing things, or unquestioned or regarded as 'normal'. Questioning norms is a big part of my work.

The privilege of truly knowing people and holding space for their growth and healing.

The privilege of truly knowing people and holding space for their growth and healing.

The wonder of the unfolding unconscious process into conscious awareness. Being witness to my clients' herculean struggles in their desire to transform and change, is very moving. I look forward to...

The wonder of the unfolding unconscious process into conscious awareness. Being witness to my clients' herculean struggles in their desire to transform and change, is very moving. I look forward to feeling affected by my clients and in doing so, I learn more and more about myself in relationship. Being a psychotherapist is not a job, it's a way of life.

Forming close bonds with my clients and witnessing their growth.

Forming close bonds with my clients and witnessing their growth.

What I value most about being a therapist is the privilege of witnessing people in their most honest, vulnerable momentsâ??and being able to offer a steady, attuned presence as they begin to...

What I value most about being a therapist is the privilege of witnessing people in their most honest, vulnerable momentsâ??and being able to offer a steady, attuned presence as they begin to understand themselves more deeply. I find meaning in the quiet shifts: when someone begins to relate differently to their emotions, finds new clarity in a relationship, or takes a step toward a more authentic life. I am continually moved by the courage it takes to sit with pain, to reflect, and to grow. Being able to walk alongside someone in that process feels both humbling and profoundly human.

I just love that my job is to focus my care and attention on supporting others. I think in times like these it is uncommon for people to really feel heard - and it's truly an honour to hear what...

I just love that my job is to focus my care and attention on supporting others. I think in times like these it is uncommon for people to really feel heard - and it's truly an honour to hear what thoughts and feelings other people hold close to their hearts.

I absolutely love my job. Getting to witness people move through real challenges and growth is incredibly rewarding. Itâ??s a privilege to have a front row seat to the incredible strength and...

I absolutely love my job. Getting to witness people move through real challenges and growth is incredibly rewarding. Itâ??s a privilege to have a front row seat to the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. Every clientâ??s journey reminds me just how powerful and hopeful change can be.

I cannot think about a more interesting and fulfilling profession.

I cannot think about a more interesting and fulfilling profession.

What I love most about being a therapist is witnessing the resilience and growth in my clients. Itâ??s a privilege to provide a safe space where people feel truly heard and supported, often in their...

What I love most about being a therapist is witnessing the resilience and growth in my clients. Itâ??s a privilege to provide a safe space where people feel truly heard and supported, often in their most vulnerable moments. Seeing clients gain confidence, clarity, and hope - even in small steps - reminds me every day of the strength we all have inside us. Helping others move towards healing and a more fulfilling life is incredibly rewarding.

I love the look on my clients faces when I can create change and when they catch themselves behaving like the person they want to be.

I love the look on my clients faces when I can create change and when they catch themselves behaving like the person they want to be.

I love being a witness to other's life experiences and feel privileged and honoured to be a part of their journey.

I love being a witness to other's life experiences and feel privileged and honoured to be a part of their journey.

I love sitting with courageous people who are willing to dare to take a peek at the difficult things. I am grateful and in awe of the healing that comes in that sacred therapeutic space.

I love sitting with courageous people who are willing to dare to take a peek at the difficult things. I am grateful and in awe of the healing that comes in that sacred therapeutic space.

The thing I like most about being a therapist is that I am privileged to walk alongside my clients while they explore possibilities and make important changes in their lives. I often witness...

The thing I like most about being a therapist is that I am privileged to walk alongside my clients while they explore possibilities and make important changes in their lives. I often witness remarkable personal transformations and feats of courage. Moreover, I get to see, firsthand, clients striving for and achieving their goals and aspirations. Overall, clients generally achieve a deeper, more focused and nuanced appreciation for life and for those around them. These are heartening experiences for the therapist too, as the therapist is privileged to share at least part of that unique journey. The therapist is necessarily challenged and grows as part of that process too.

I love listening to people's stories, getting to know their strengths and challenges, and working collaboratively to find solutions to problems or avenues for change. Everyone is interesting.

I love listening to people's stories, getting to know their strengths and challenges, and working collaboratively to find solutions to problems or avenues for change. Everyone is interesting.

The therapeutic space is a place where you can put down your masks and have permission to be real. I value the relational realness of the therapeutic space and feel privileged to be a part of this...

The therapeutic space is a place where you can put down your masks and have permission to be real. I value the relational realness of the therapeutic space and feel privileged to be a part of this process.

The privilege of being let into others lives, which I never take for granted. And the possibility of making a difference.

The privilege of being let into others lives, which I never take for granted. And the possibility of making a difference.

Every day, every session is different and unpredictable. I/we may have an idea of what's going on and then together we discover something knew. Being an ally or support for someone during such a...

Every day, every session is different and unpredictable. I/we may have an idea of what's going on and then together we discover something knew. Being an ally or support for someone during such a journey is very rewarding. I never cease to be amazed/impressed re clients bravery, tenacity and resilience re the difficulties they have/are facing.

I enjoy seeing my clients feeling happier about who they are and their life. I feel uplifted when together with my client there's an 'aha' moment and suddenly there's a deeper understanding of what...

I enjoy seeing my clients feeling happier about who they are and their life. I feel uplifted when together with my client there's an 'aha' moment and suddenly there's a deeper understanding of what just happened.

I think it is an immense privilege to be able to be 'with' people as they share vulnerable parts of themselves, and to help them to process through these issues. I can truly say I love my work.

I think it is an immense privilege to be able to be 'with' people as they share vulnerable parts of themselves, and to help them to process through these issues. I can truly say I love my work.

I like those moments when a client leaves liking themself more than when they arrived, and when they make decisions that benefit themselves and the people around them.

I like those moments when a client leaves liking themself more than when they arrived, and when they make decisions that benefit themselves and the people around them.

I get so much satisfaction from seeing people grow and develop through psychotherapy. I am very curious about the way in which people deal with the challenges of life and feel privileged to...

I get so much satisfaction from seeing people grow and develop through psychotherapy. I am very curious about the way in which people deal with the challenges of life and feel privileged to participate in their journey.

I love the opportunity to work with people, to understand how someone functions within themselves, their relationships and in their life. There is little else that gives me as much satisfaction as the...

I love the opportunity to work with people, to understand how someone functions within themselves, their relationships and in their life. There is little else that gives me as much satisfaction as the process of understanding how a person's self was shaped by their relationship and family history. I love being able to facilitate and mobilise people freeing themselves of what binds them and keeps them stuck. I love encouraging people to work on themselves and find the key to grow themselves.

I am a bit selfish, I like helping people. I truly get a genuine kick out of seeing persons sense of relief, them saying they feel better and how their lives are improved. through our work I love it...

I am a bit selfish, I like helping people. I truly get a genuine kick out of seeing persons sense of relief, them saying they feel better and how their lives are improved. through our work I love it when clients tell me they know and understand themselves and their actions and have choices. It warms my heart!

Being with people and discussing aspects of their lives that really matter to them and that, often, people in their lives don't want to hear about. This can mean that their disappointments, sense of...

Being with people and discussing aspects of their lives that really matter to them and that, often, people in their lives don't want to hear about. This can mean that their disappointments, sense of shame, failure, anxiety and hopelessness etc. become shared and often lessens as a result, which can lead to a reduction in emotional isolation and a greater sense of acceptance. I regard it as a privilege to get glimpses into people's inner worlds and to accompany them through (usually difficult) parts of their lives, particularly when there is a tangible change that results from this process. Sharing significant moments with people that deeply affect their lives and sense of self is a very gratifying experience. In a world increasingly devoid of a sense of soul, I see the therapy space as one of few opportunities left in the collective world to keep the soul alive. However, whilst I have always seen therapy as a practice on the cultural edge promoting internal freedom. unfortunately a lot of contemporary therapy has become a practice of individual adjustment to cultural norms, which can stifle rather than liberate the soul.

Sitting with and holding space for another human being and supporting them to reflect, heal grow and ultimately transform their life.

Sitting with and holding space for another human being and supporting them to reflect, heal grow and ultimately transform their life.

I love the opportunity I get to meet such interesting and diverse people everyday and to learn from them. Therapy brings out the creativity in myself and the people that I am co-researching with. It...

I love the opportunity I get to meet such interesting and diverse people everyday and to learn from them. Therapy brings out the creativity in myself and the people that I am co-researching with. It allows me the opportunity to create and share in projects that utilise words, art, and music and that can impact on others even outside the therapy room. I find it dynamic and exciting especially the Ah ha moments. It has allowed me to have powerful and supportive relationships with colleagues and mentors and lifelong connections. I also enjoy hearing what sustains others in their therapy work and and nurturing their professional stories.

I really enjoy seeing people reorganise their internal systems into a system that supports them to achieve, stability, contentment, agency and future dreams.

I really enjoy seeing people reorganise their internal systems into a system that supports them to achieve, stability, contentment, agency and future dreams.

I love meeting new people and being present and supportive of their experiences and stories. I love working creatively with people and connecting with the inherent wisdom in our bodies, experiences,...

I love meeting new people and being present and supportive of their experiences and stories. I love working creatively with people and connecting with the inherent wisdom in our bodies, experiences, dreams, minds and all around us which can lead to a sense of greater freedom, connectedness, awareness etc.

Helping others. Helping kids, and adults. Seeing results. Having a unique and professional relationship with individuals who come to see me. And most of all...making a difference.

Helping others. Helping kids, and adults. Seeing results. Having a unique and professional relationship with individuals who come to see me. And most of all...making a difference.

I feel honoured that people trust me with their deepest fears, insecurities and secrets. I love that my clients can be so vulnerable, raw and honest about what is happening for them. I feel really...

I feel honoured that people trust me with their deepest fears, insecurities and secrets. I love that my clients can be so vulnerable, raw and honest about what is happening for them. I feel really happy that I do what I do.

I am grateful for being given the opportunity to connect with another and accompany them on a small part of their personal journey. I am constantly in awe of the strength that shines with a client's...

I am grateful for being given the opportunity to connect with another and accompany them on a small part of their personal journey. I am constantly in awe of the strength that shines with a client's vulnerability and humbled by the trust they place in me.

The engagement with each individual and the mapping together of what drives their suffering and change!

The engagement with each individual and the mapping together of what drives their suffering and change!

I love meeting and getting to know new people, identifying goals and areas of change and working with people while they resolve issues and strengthen relationships.

I love meeting and getting to know new people, identifying goals and areas of change and working with people while they resolve issues and strengthen relationships.

I enjoy having deep and meaningful relationships with clients who are wanting to evolve and learn to understand themselves. There is a meaning, purpose and intensity to the work that makes it feel...

I enjoy having deep and meaningful relationships with clients who are wanting to evolve and learn to understand themselves. There is a meaning, purpose and intensity to the work that makes it feel worthwhile. It is gratifying when I see clients beginning to enjoy their lives and relationships because they have worked to change outdated dynamics and ways of relating.

Sharing in the personal journeys of my clients is fascinating and such a privilege.

Sharing in the personal journeys of my clients is fascinating and such a privilege.

Helping people and being in relationship.

Helping people and being in relationship.

I love the fact that I have to evolve on a moment by moment basis to meet my clients around their points of pain and then to help direct our discussions to a point where it is safe and possible for a...

I love the fact that I have to evolve on a moment by moment basis to meet my clients around their points of pain and then to help direct our discussions to a point where it is safe and possible for a client to experience a more authentic way of being. I love the fact that for a living I get to be very understanding and get to witness people's amazing resilience, wisdom and ultimately their transformation into happier and more authentic ways of being. The feeling when the therapeutic space has been achieved (by me) and it is being used (by the client) is one of utter joy, excitement and privilege. Irrespective of whether it was an easy or difficult session, I always walk away from my sessions understanding more, and excited to apply that new information when I see my client next..

Getting to know people, their story and being able to help a person grow and develop. Seeing an individual developing.

Getting to know people, their story and being able to help a person grow and develop. Seeing an individual developing.

I truly enjoy being present with other people and supporting others to settle into their bodies, hearts and lives. It is so precious witnessing all those shifts and realisations. At the same time...

I truly enjoy being present with other people and supporting others to settle into their bodies, hearts and lives. It is so precious witnessing all those shifts and realisations. At the same time there is always learning and deeper understanindg for me too.

It is a unique position and no two days are the same. In my experience it is also a position where you are privy enough to offer hope to others. What I mean by that is I get to hear a lot about other...

It is a unique position and no two days are the same. In my experience it is also a position where you are privy enough to offer hope to others. What I mean by that is I get to hear a lot about other people's lives. In part, sometimes the most vulnerable and darkest experiences. A lot of my clients express that they don't feel normal or are worried there is something wrong with them. It is an honour to sit in front of someone and be able to say that this is not the first time I have heard something like that. That most people would be surprised at just how many people feel the same way. That there is no such thing as normal as all humans are different. Then, being able to explore why the client may feel this way and to help them perhaps see themselves from an additional perspective. That is a pretty cool experience.

Working closely and creatively with people. Getting to know people and being surprised by them. Seeing someone come in distress and leaving relieved. Feeling parts of me engaged which otherwise would...

Working closely and creatively with people. Getting to know people and being surprised by them. Seeing someone come in distress and leaving relieved. Feeling parts of me engaged which otherwise would have been neglected. Therapy I think brings out the best in me.